Topic: Economics
What Does "Unexpectedly" Mean?
Lately I've seen the word used in so many headlines about things that have been expected, have been predicted and have been shown by history to be inevitable that I have to wonder exactly what the people who write those headlines think the word means.
by Jahfre Fire Eater
(libertarian)
Thursday, December 11, 2008

This poor word seems to have lost its definition.  As in today's headline:

New unemployment claims surge unexpectedly
 
Lately I've seen the word used in so many headlines about things that have been expected, have been predicted and have been shown by history to be inevitable that I have to wonder exactly what the people who write those headlines think the word means.
 
The Austrian school of economics has been expecting and predicting these things for most of a century.
Ron Paul based his presidential campaign on expecting and predicting these things.
The book, Empire of Debt, explains how these things happen and show where they have happened over and over and over throughout history.
 
Anyone interested in finding out who expected and predicted these events would easily discover thousands of references for sources spanning decades.
 
I just shake my head and counter with the great line from The Princess Bride, Inconceivable!
 
-Jahfre Fire Eater

©2008 Jahfre Fire Eater, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Thursday, December 11, 2008
Last modified: Thursday, December 11, 2008

The views expressed in this article are those of Jahfre Fire Eater only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Jahfre Fire Eater is solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.

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Reader Comments:

Posted By: Jake, the champion of the constitution
Date: 2008-12-11 16:06:29

Its "unexpected" that gold is in backwardation as well, feel free to let me know what you think.

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Posted By: Master C
Date: 2008-12-11 20:03:30

Jahfre,

"Unexpectedly" would be finding that one of your articles really had some content to it and not a lot of false claims.  "Unexpectedly" would be having Mrs. Fire Eater write something of her own to let us comment on it as she occasionally comments on ours.

As lame and meaningless as your lament about the word "unexpectedly" is, the phrase "I just can't understand why" this or that keeps happening certainly supercedes it.  People act the way they do BECAUSE THEY CHOOSE TO.  The only mysteries about why people don't behave the way you ~ and many others on this website ~ think they should is because you are not a part of the VAST MAJORITY who REJECT your ideas.

Anyone who quotes the Princess Bride as a source of wisdom or insight probably also looks to Aladdin, Shrek, and Ariel for intellectual scholarship.  Or is it Pinocchio who's your favorite?

Master C

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Posted By: Charles
Date: 2008-12-12 11:39:04

"Master C",

Why do you think it is that you chose to read the views and opinions of individuals who you evidently find to be marginal, far-fetched, et cetera?

I believe that an honest answer to this question will greatly advance your self-awareness and thereby empower you.

 

Best regards,

 

Charles

 

P.S. I recommend not sharing your answer with anyone, as doing so will likely involve counter-productive efforts at self-justification.

-C

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Posted By: Master C
Date: 2008-12-12 12:01:10

Dearest Charlie,

I read the views and opinions of individuals with whom I disagree for the same reason that I listen to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Fox News ~ so that I KNOW WHAT THE ENEMY IS DOING!

You, on the other hand, are probably one of those people who don't read opposing views because you think you already know all the answers.  If I haven't a sufficient answer to rebuttal the views with which I am opposed, then maybe I don't have a sufficient reason to oppose them. 

Try thinking about it, Charlie, my man.  You may find that I'm making a point from which you should learn something. 

Master C

 

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